A Sexy Guy Calendar is Making Life Better for NYC Shelter Animals – National Shelter Dog Month
Soothing NYC shelter animals, one cage at a time. That’s the mission of Grandpa Dave’s Creature Comforts, a wonderful organization I discovered while covering the Broadway Barks fundraiser last June. It’s kind of funny. I was standing next to a woman named Felicia Greenfield in the press line, all of us vying for interviews with the actors from Broadway’s biggest shows. They were spending their day drawing attention to shelter pets and encouraging adoption. Felicia and I got to talking, we exchanged cards and a couple of months later, I came across the Creature Comforts card, checked out their Facebook page, loved what they were doing and emailed them. When Felicia came back and reminded me of how we’d met, it all clicked. After speaking with her, I knew I wanted to share this organization with you because what they’re doing is so special and makes a big difference in the day-to-day lives of shelter animals.
You can order their new sexy guy calendar, Tails of RescueMen of NYC, to help NYC shelter animals at http://rescuemen.bigcartel.com/product/2015-nyc-rescuemen-calendar. Help make the lives of shelter pets at Animal Care & Control better.
Creature Comforts was inspired by Felicia’s grandfather, Dave, who passed away fifteen years ago. As a child, she remembered her grandpa’s love of animals and the kindness and compassion he taught her through the good deeds he’d do. As an adult, it was those memories that led Felicia to create the organization and name it in honor of him.
“Animals have always been a big part of my life,” Greenfield shared. “My dog, Kicho, who’s about to turn 12, was the first dog I had on my own. He made me so protective of him and aware of people hurting animals. A stranger on Facebook during the Michael Vick ‘comeback’ responded to Felicia’s frustration about Vick returning to prominence. She was venting about how she hated that he was able to return to professional sports after what he’d done to his dogs and how helpless she felt about it. The stranger replied, ‘When you feel that way, just do one positive thing.'” It struck a chord with Felicia; she could do something. She got to work cold-calling gyms, hospitals and other facilities, seeking sheets and towels she could bring to the shelter. Initially, older daughter Danielle (Dani), named after her great grandfather, would accompany Felicia to do drop offs of the collected goods to the shelter. Why AC&C?
She created a Facebook page for Creature Comforts and started getting donations. “I posted on Facebook because I wanted my kids to grow up involved with this and to have giving back or paying it forward as a part of their lives,” she said. “Also, if I posted about it, that would push me to continue forward.” And, it grew.
A short while later, the universe brought a kindred spirit into Felicia’s life – Jen Halpern of Pillows for Paws, another great organization that makes comfy pillows and catnip toys for NYC shelter animals. What I didn’t tell you is Felicia is an actor. Jen is a casting director. On a Skype call about working together, Jen asked Felicia to tell her something about herself. Greenfield mentioned Creature Comforts and Jen told her about Pillow for Paws. A-ha! A friendship was born. For months, they would meet at a local Starbucks (they were also neighbors and didn’t know), and talk about what they could do together to help animals.
Fast forward. Six year old younger daughter, Morgan, also became involved in drop offs and visits. And, once a month, Felicia and Jen would gather a group of kids from Dani and Morgan’s school to volunteer. They’d sew. They’d crochet. And what emerged were the cutest little catnip pillows for cats. They’ve started calling these monthly creative sessions Pillows for Paws Jr.! Felicia and Jen make it even more fun for these kids who are learning compassion and activism. They turn the sessions into a contest and get everyone involved. The parents attend and the fastest little sewers win art supply prizes donated to the cause.
February: Nick Greenfield & Jack; March: Matan Gavish & Valentino; April: Sean Harvey & Ophelia, Bobo & Colby; May: James A. Pierce III & Nakia; June: David Chokachi & Mia; July: Rob & Tuffy, Hubbs, Brie & Chickadee; August: Lee Washington & Max; September: John Fugelsang & Bix; October: Michael Lombardo & Sake November: Sean Robinson & Freckles; December: Ian Phillips & Spanky, Sassafras & SweetiePie.
Order your calendar at http://rescuemen.bigcartel.com/product/2015-nyc-rescuemen-calendar. Help make the lives of shelter pets at Animal Care & Control better.
At the end of the day, it’s really all about taking a step. Felicia said it best, relaying something she’d heard at a PTA meeting that resonated with her and I loved: Someone can’t do everything, but everyone can do something.
“We envision the day when…every pet born will be assured a good home & care all its natural life & will not suffer due to abuse, neglect or ignorance. But until that day, a shelter animals’ comfort is hardly a priority. Creature Comforts seeks to make their stay just a wee bit easier, until their forever home is found.”
What’s your favorite local charity and what do they do? Tell me about it in the Comments!
I love this, and what they are doing. Might have to get me a sexy calendar. 😉
Hi Diane! Go for it, girl! I met some of the guys at the launch event tonight and, believe me when I tell you, they’re worth far more than the $15 to look at all year! LOL Felicia and Jen are great women; I have to tell them about WIPIN! 🙂